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Member Spotlight - Wendy Curtin

By Lou Bouris, SteelCity MafiaSeptember 28, 2010

I recently spoke with Boss Wendy Curtin, aka Boss Steeler Chick, and this recently Made Mafia member is gearing up for another great Steeler season. Boss Wendy currently runs a Mafia chapter in the D.C. area, and is always looking to meet up with other Steeler fans.

How long have you been a Steelers fan, and what was your earliest Steeler memory?

I've been a Steelers fan all of my life having been brought up on Pittsburgh sports (I remember the 1960 World Series); but my most vivid memories are as a teenager when Terry Bradshaw was drafted and my mom was crazy about him from Day 1. That made me pay close attention at the very best possible time to be a Steelers fan.

Do you have a favorite current player and/or all time favorite?

Wow, that's a hard one! Too many to name! But in terms of talent and character, a few of my favorite past players are Franco Harris, Rod Woodson, Mike Merriweather and Greg Lloyd. Currently it's a tie between Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward and James Farrior. That's just scratching the surface!

Do you have any game day rituals, or do anything special for Steeler games?

Not recently, but when Randle El was with the team the first time around, it seemed every time I wore his jersey to a game, he took a return back for a touchdown. Now I have 2 jerseys (#7 and #43) that I switch off depending on how the team is doing. Otherwise, I try not to be too superstitious! Interestingly, of all the games I've been to at Heinz Field (I've gone to at least 2 games and up to 5 per season since it opened), the Steelers have only lost once.

How long have you been in the Mafia?

Three years, since September 2007. I was recruited by Harvey Aronson through a mutual friend with whom I work.

What does being a member of Steeler Nation mean to you?

It means the WORLD to me! Being a Steeler fan is part of my identity, it's who I am just as much as I am a mom and a sister.

The Steelers missed out on the playoffs last season, how do you feel this season will play out?

I'm very confident the Steelers will make the playoffs. There has been so much adversity since they won their 6th Lombardi but the Steelers always play best when they have a chip on their shoulders and something to prove. Dr. LeBeau will take care of the Defense and I'm confident that Byron and Dennis will hold down the fort until Ben returns. This is a team that always wants a championship and they are backed by fans who will not settle for less. They'll do it for us.

Any personal stories about the Steelers or anything else you would like add?

So many!! I've met many of the players at autograph shows including Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, Hines Ward, James Harrison, James Farrior, Heath Miller, Dermontti Dawson, Joe Greene and Jerome Bettis, just to name a few; also, Mike Merriweather is a personal friend as he is to several Steel City Mafia bosses. I have all of their autographs and many more, among them framed autograph Bradshaw and Polamalu jerseys. I also accompanied and represented Mike, along with Boss Scottie Brown (also being made this year), at a recent autograph show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia, not far from where I live.

Anything else you would like to share with the SCM Family?

I am from an authentic Italian family and I'm proud to be a boss with the Mafia and really excited to get made! I have 4 brothers (no sisters), two of whom were there supporting me when I got Made. I only wish my parents were alive so they could be there, too. They were huge Steeler fans.